CES 2024 Highlights Surge in AI-Powered Hardware Amid Growing Industry Focus

Four years after the introduction of ChatGPT popularized artificial intelligence, the CES 2024 event in Las Vegas revealed a significant industry pivot from AI software to AI-driven hardware. Major corporations in technology and automotive sectors displayed an array of AI-powered devices, including robotics, humanoid machines, and autonomous vehicles, illustrating a clear emphasis on "physical AI." Startups and lesser-known companies also presented innovative AI-enhanced products designed for diverse applications such as hairstyling and emotional companionship, competing to attract investor interest. However, skepticism remains about which of these devices will achieve substantial commercial success. Chris Bergey, head of ARM's PC, phone, and AI devices division, remarked, \"AI is really driving a whole innovation and demand cycle.\" ARM recently restructured to form a dedicated physical AI unit aimed at expanding into robotics. Humanoid robots captured attention with demonstrations including dancing, playing poker, and crafting origami pinwheels. Yet, their limited capabilities underscored ongoing challenges like insufficient processing power, short battery life, and handling unpredictable tasks. Experts anticipate that affordable, fully functional humanoid robots remain years away. Key players such as Lenovo held high-profile presentations featuring leaders from Nvidia and AMD, unveiling AI platforms like Lenovo's Qira voice assistant, which integrates with services including Expedia. Meta announced upgrades for its Ray-Ban Display and Neural Band with features like live recording, while Alphabet introduced the Gemini AI model for smart home devices. Among more eclectic offerings were AI-driven 3D avatar devices aimed at generating personalized vocal messages, an AI-powered interactive pet, a $599 AI-enabled dry cleaning system that identifies and cleans materials within minutes, and hair clippers enhanced by AI technology. Despite the variety, some analysts labeled many AI-marketed gadgets as rebranded "smart" devices rather than groundbreaking innovations. The hardware supporting AI also drew attention, particularly specialized chips designed to handle AI workloads locally to reduce cloud computing costs. Perplexity AI CEO Aravind Srinivas noted the growing expense of AI operations. Intel revealed its Panther Lake AI chip for laptops, the first developed using an 18A manufacturing process, while AMD introduced processors tailored for AI computing. These advancements promise improvements in PC performance, including faster speeds, longer battery life, and enhanced security. Yet, according to Creative Strategies CEO Ben Bajarin, widespread consumer understanding and demand for AI-powered PCs have yet to fully materialize. He stated, \"I think the general consumer is still not aware of what an AI PC really means or what it can do for them that they can’t do today. Hopefully that will become more clear over time.\"

Canon Philippines Unveils EOS C50: A Versatile Camera Designed for Modern Filmmakers

Canon Philippines officially launched its new EOS C50 camera, priced at P189,998 for the body with an XLR handle, during the "Next Big Scene" event on Wednesday. Targeted at filmmakers and content creators, the camera boasts innovative features such as 7K 60p RAW recording, 3:2 Open Gate sensor, and Simultaneous Crop Recording, enabling users to produce multiple formats simultaneously. Anu Aggarwal, president and CEO of Canon Marketing Philippines, highlighted the camera’s role in expanding storytelling possibilities, stating, "The C50 pushes storytelling beyond familiar boundaries. At Canon, we are committed to empowering creators to explore, experiment, and redefine cinema." JV Ruanto, Product Manager of Canon Philippines, emphasized the Simultaneous Crop Recording feature’s convenience for creators needing both horizontal and vertical content in one take, adding, "This C50 is designed for every creator, whether you are just starting or exploring new horizons in video. We offer this camera as a gift to support your creative journey." Additional specifications include 4K recording at 120fps for smooth slow-motion, dual-base ISO for better low-light performance, and the ability to shoot 32.5-megapixel still images. The EOS C50 is compatible with Canon’s RF, EF, and DL lens mounts. In a fireside chat at the launch, filmmakers Paolo Ruiz, Ian Celis, Gabby Cantero, and Carlo Obispo shared their experiences with the EOS C50, praising its flexibility and efficiency during production, particularly its crop recording capability. Canon, a renowned Japanese brand in imaging technology, began its operations in the Philippines in 1996 and has since developed a significant presence across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.